New York Schools Go All-in With Propane Autogas

A Breath of Fresh Air for New York Students

Buses are vital to New York’s school system, but older diesel-fueled buses aren’t always great for the environment or the state budget. It’s no surprise, then, that more school districts throughout the Empire State are purchasing propane autogas buses.

This switch is a breath of fresh air for New York students.

Emissions Study

According to a study by West Virginia University’s Center for Alternative Fuels, Engines and Emissions, propane autogas is a proven way to dramatically decrease emissions of toxic nitrogen oxides (NOx).

Exposure to NOx exhaust can trigger health problems like asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory issues. The primary source of NOx is motor vehicles—including school buses, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

The more propane-powered vehicles and their clean-burning propane motors replace old, pollution-belching diesel-powered buses, the fewer NOx emissions our children will inhale.

According to the study, the findings are significant because NOx represents one of the biggest challenges to air quality in the United States. This toxic gas is a major concern for many areas in our country.

According to the U.S. Energy Department’s Alternative Fuels Data Center, approximately 55% of manmade NOx emissions come from motor vehicles like school buses.

More Safety Benefits for Students

Propane motors are 50% quieter than diesel engines not only provide a more pleasant ride but a safer one.

Buses fueled with propane autogas are also crash-tested for impact in the side and rear, meeting rigorous motor vehicle safety standards.

Savings for School Districts

New York school districts have gained enormous fuel savings by using propane autogas instead of more expensive diesel fuel. In terms of fuel and maintenance costs, schools can expect to save an average of $3,000 to $5,000 per bus.

The Propane Education and Research Council estimates that if all older, dirtier diesel school buses across the United States switched over to clean-burning propane-fueled buses, the savings would be enough to cover the hiring of 23,000 teachers.

If you are interested in cutting costs by using propane-powered vehicles for your school buses or other commercial fleets, read more about propane autogas in New York.

New Funding Available

The Clean School Bus Program–which was included in the recently passed federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law— provides funding to replace existing school buses with low- or zero-emission school buses. Read more.